Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike, Withdraws Amid Central Government Assurances, But Movement Continues
Exclusive Report:
After nearly a month of continuous hunger strike, social activist Sonam Wangchuk has finally suspended his movement. His hunger strike, which began on June 28, demanding the leak of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) question paper and reforms in the country's education system, ended after 26 days based on multiple assurances from the central government.
Late Thursday night, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. It was in their presence that Wangchuk broke his fast by having soup. His wife, Geetanjali Angmo, was also present at that time.
What assurances did the government provide?
It is reported that Wangchuk was given a written assurance from the government. This mainly mentions three important points—
A positive stance on not filing cases against the protesters, especially considering the legal actions against those participating in the protests at Jantar Mantar and the Parliament march on July 20.
A detailed discussion in Parliament regarding the NEET question paper leak and education reforms. The government has assured extensive discussions on the matter.
Consideration of compensation for the families of students who committed suicide due to the NEET scandal.
Following these assurances, Sonam Wangchuk decided to withdraw his hunger strike. He stated that this decision was made in the larger interest of the country and after prolonged discussions. He also urged his supporters to continue the movement peacefully and appealed to stay away from any form of violence.
How did this movement start?
Outraged by the NEET question paper leak, Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on June 28 in support of the protesting students. The main demands of the movement included—
Transparency and reforms in the education system,
Strict laws to prevent question paper leaks,
Swift action against the guilty,
And a demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
After multiple rounds of discussions with the government, Wangchuk stated that he would agree to withdraw his hunger strike if he received assurances of discussion in Parliament and no legal action against the protesters.
Hunger strike over, but not the movement
Although Wangchuk broke his fast, the associated organization has not stepped back from the movement. The organization has stated that peaceful sit-ins and protests will continue at Jantar Mantar until the reforms in the education system and other core demands are met.
The leadership of the organization has also stated that Wangchuk's long hunger strike has brought the issues of the country's education system back into national discussion. However, the future of the movement will depend on how effective the government's assurances are in reality.
Where is the focus now?
Even though the 26-day hunger strike has ended, the issues of the NEET question paper leak, education reforms, and the demands of the protesters have not been fully addressed. Therefore, everyone’s attention will be on how much the central government implements the assurances given in Parliament and what steps are taken for reforms in the education system.
